A Child Protective Services disability specialist says Texas’ foster care system isn’t preparing teens with cognitive disabilities and mental health challenges for adult life.
Brandon Formby
Brandon Formby works with The Texas Tribune’s beat editors and reporters to bring Texans the news, analysis and explanatory journalism they need to put pressing issues into perspective. Previously, as an editor on the news desk, he helped steer coverage of legislative sessions, natural disasters, prolonged power outages, mass shootings and the coronavirus pandemic. As a reporter, he covered urban affairs. Before joining the Tribune in 2016, he reported on transportation, politics and local government for The Dallas Morning News. Brandon grew up in Plano and earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Texas Tech University. He is based in Austin.
Posted in
Politics
Texas Observer, legendary crusading liberal magazine, is closing and laying off its staff
The 68-year-old progressive publication, which published Ronnie Dugger, Molly Ivins and Kaye Northcott, hit financial troubles and wasn’t able to broaden its audience, board members said.
Posted in
State Government
Texas puts up barriers that keep young adults out of extended foster care programs designed to help them
State and federal laws are supposed to protect foster youth until they turn 21. But Texas all too often erects unnecessarily burdensome hurdles.
Posted in
Environment
Houston officials say state made the call on water boil notice
For more than 24 hours, nearly everyone in the nation’s fourth-most-populous city had been asked to boil water after a power outage at a water treatment plant Sunday.
Posted in
Migrant Tragedy in San Antonio
Two men indicted in connection with deaths of 53 migrants who were found in tractor-trailer
The men could face life in prison or the death penalty. The gruesome crime scene and large number of people who died drew international outrage.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
Texas voters overwhelmingly approve of business closures, stay-at-home orders despite blow to state’s economy, says UT/TT poll
The poll results come as Gov. Greg Abbott prepares to announce his plans for reopening a wide range of Texas businesses.
Posted in
Higher Education
Angelo State University president reportedly steps down
The university set enrollment records under Brian May, who abruptly resigned, according to KTXS.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
Dallas County bans elective medical procedures to focus resources on climbing coronavirus cases
Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins’ order, which runs through April 3, came the same day Gov. Greg Abbott sought to increase the state’s number of practicing nurses.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
Patient with “weakly positive” test for coronavirus was released for a time in San Antonio
The person is back in quarantine, and health officials are tracking where they went.
Posted in
Energy
Two of U.S. Energy Secretary Rick Perry’s political supporters won “potentially lucrative” Ukraine energy deal, report says
The Associated Press reports that the oil and gas exploration contract was awarded after Perry recommended one of his backers as an energy adviser to Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky.